Fusarium Wilt

Source: Steve Barnhart

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Fusarium oxysporum
Fusarium wilt is a soilborne disease of concern in soybean production areas of NY. Though it has only been confirmed in a few counties, it is likely more widespread, but is difficult to diagnose or differentiate from other diseases or stresses. Infection is favored by cool temperatures and wet soils during early vegetative growth stages. Plants are infected during early reproductive stages, but symptoms appear later in the season, and are exacerbated by hot, dry weather, when infected plants begin to wilt. In addition to wilting, symptoms include brown discoloration of the vascular system in the roots and stems, and foliage may become chlorotic and defoliation may occur. Reducing soil compaction, delaying planting until soil temperatures are favorable for seed germination, crop rotation and seed treatments applied to high quality seed are good management practices for minimizing losses to Fusarium wilt.